Lee Weaver's 'The Box' at DOS Coffee & Wine

Lee Weaver has taken the challenge: How to convey the tragic aftermath of war affecting an estimated 3 million American veterans — 20-percent of Iraq and Afghanistan vets included — returned home, suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — many of whom, unable to cope with the recurring nightmares, have been reduced to a derelict life of homelessness and handouts?

After more than a year of dedicated research of local conditions in St. Augustine and St. Johns County, he’s written, produced and now appears as “Jack,” a 70-year-old PTSD-ravaged Vietnam vet who lives in a large corrugated box (Jack-in-“The Box”) in the woods outside the city.

To tell Jack’s story, radio station WGAC show host Ms. Sandy Shores (Lee’s wife, Nan, who actually was a radio talk-host some years ago) shows up in the woods (voiceover) to interview him.

Weaver commands the stage for two intense, brilliant, soul- and society-searing hours, in two acts, recounting his story. It’s an unforgettably emotional powerhouse, mind-bending experience, theatrical work of towering genius.

Jack pulls no punches. He was eight when his father deserted the family, 18 when he was coaxed to enlist by (subsequently proven false) Army promises of schools and athletic teams, then three tours of ’Nam horrors, Agent Orange poisoning, deaths of buddies, suicides, his own failed attempt from the Niagara River bridge, venomous anti-returned-GI chanting, being spat at, derided after mustering out, the mounting losses of family, female companionship and friends. And the PTSD that afflicts his every waking hour, and which he valiantly attempts to control.

Weaver wisely interjects periodic humor for relief. Jack has come to terms with life. He spends a good deal of his time in the library. He’s conjured clever, effective panhandle street signs. He explains his personal religious philosophies.

He scoffs at the notion of homelessness — “Hey! Whaddya call his Box, eh?” And he glosses his hair, spiffs up every night, and goes into town with his buddies to Dine With Dignity behind Pot Belly’s Cinema Plus movie house. He survives.

Performances are 7 p.m. Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 at DOS Coffee & Wine, 300 San Marco Ave. Tickets are $15, with food and drink at an additional cost.

Call 904-342-2421 or go to dosbar.com.

Currently, there are 1,500 homeless in St. Johns County (not all veterans, of course). Organizations dedicated to helping them: